Who Will You Invite?

Karen

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.

—Psalm 68:5–6

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” The store’s loudspeaker blared the joyful lyrics of the familiar song that snowy Christmas Eve afternoon.

Everywhere I glanced, people were searching for last-minute gift purchases, holiday baking ingredients, or that one final string of twinkle lights that would make their Christmas downright Norman Rockwell perfect. But as I stood in line to pay for the ingredients for my assigned cheesy-potato casserole for our family gathering, a lump formed in my throat.

How can everyone be so happy? Why is the world going on as if nothing happened? My friend Julie died last night, leaving behind a husband and eight children who need her. Doesn’t anyone care?

I wanted to scream. And I wanted the holidays to be canceled that year. There was no cheer in me, and I thought the rest of the world should follow suit and just “humbug” the whole celebration.

Ever since that year our family has become more aware of the fact that, for many people, holidays aren’t the most wonderful times of the year. In fact, they can be downright painful. While scores of us delight in the season, drinking in the sights, sounds, and smells, others are numb from pain and despise these months.

A neighbor of mine had a good perspective on helping those who hurt. She once told me, “Holidays are an excuse for making someone’s life better.” She was right! People are waiting to be encouraged and included—even during the time of Fourth of July picnics or potentially lonely Valentine’s Day evenings. If only we would cease our own self-focused hustle and bustle long enough to see!

When we are intent on being Jesus’ hands and feet to others, God will allow us to brighten the lives of many. We get to show His love and character talked about in Psalm 68:5–6—a God who is concerned about the loneliness of others and takes action to alleviate it. We can welcome others into our lives, allowing them to share a meal, a cup of coffee, or just share some time talking.

Let’s use holidays and special occasions—even minor ones—as an excuse to make other people’s days brighter, letting them know they are noticed and cared for.

Dear Lord, show me who needs to be reached out to this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Help me make someone’s life richer, fuller, and far less lonely. I want to be Your hands and feet. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Look at your calendar. Is there a holiday or special occasion coming up when you could invite over someone who might normally be alone that day? What can you do to encourage that person and brighten his or her day?